December 2011

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Crikey! What an exciting month's its been for big boy Bashii, one of six Sumatran tigers at Australia Zoo, when none other than Santa Claus stopped by to deliver some early Christmas presents to the Tiger Temple. Earlier in the month, Bashii celebrated his fourth birthday with a visit from the "Fighting Tigers" of the Australian Royal Navy and although Santa will be busy on Christmas Eve delivering presents to homes all around the world, Christmas Day was celebrated a little early at Australia Zoo as he made a quick visit to deliver gifts that would make any cat happy, let alone an excited 115kg Sumatran tiger!

Australia Zoo's Head of Tigers and International Conservation Manager Giles Clark said the gifts from Santa didn't last long with Bashii. "From the moment Santa entered the Tiger Temple, Bashii was ready to pounce on the big bag of gifts that included milk treats and blow up Christmas trees and balls for the pool. Like any four year old, Bashii was pretty excited to see Santa and they didn't last very long," Giles said.

Australia Zoo is in the fight to save the critically endangered species and work continues with supporting the Flora and Fauna International tiger protection and conservation units (TPCUs) around Kerinci Seblat National Park in Sumatra.